Discrimination based on race - Authorities Look into Right-wing Slogans at Party Gathering
The authorities are probing into racial slurs linked to the track "L'amour toujours" at a local celebration in Erkner, Oder-Spree region. The state security department, overseeing politically motivated offences, is also assessing visuals and a video related to this occurrence. According to sources, three individuals were said to have uttered racist remarks and two of them also mimicked the Nazi salute.
The mayor of the town with 12,000 residents, Henryk Pilz (CDU), conveyed to DPA on Thursday that the town disapproves the event that didn't happen within the city's festivals' boundaries. The disc jockey who played the popular hit "L'amour toujours" at a fishing club's event declared that he'll no longer perform the song. Earlier, "Markische Oderzeitung" and other media had spread the news.
Previously, a brief video of a Pentecost party in a bar on Sylt stoked nationwide fury as spectators expressed racist remarks such as "Out with foreigners" and "Germany for Germans" during the playing of "L'amour toujours". Following the Sylt uproar, similar incidents multiplied. A police representative in East Berlin divulged on Thursday that the song was being misused by the far-right group.
A video of the May 25th incident in Erkner is circulating on social media. Left MP Ferat Koçak remarked on hosting site X: "The primary culprits of the racist chants that night were three neo-Nazis, as evident in the video. They don't embody the entire problem, but also the festival-goers who joyously accept the fascist gestures and racist songs while clapping along."
The mayor of Erkner stated that the suspects are probably not locals. There is no neo-Nazi origination in the town. The municipality intends to engage in dialogues with clubs and organizations to "enlighten them, particularly about the indispensable accountability for club events".
DJ René Herrmann, associated with the Anglers' Association, revealed he was uninformed regarding the racist conduct and would've instantly halted the music if aware. "This incident took place in Sylt, and I never thought that such offensive exclamations could come about at this peaceful Anglers' Association event. I will no longer play this song, that's my response."
The police received two complains and warnings about the incident, including captures of the event in Erkner. A police spokesman opined it was proper to chronicle the event on site and promptly inform the police.
Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino expressed in response to the right-wing skew of his 1999 hit that it all revolved around love in his creation.
Read also:
- The incident in Erkner is reminiscent of a similar incident in a bar on Sylt, where men were seen making racist remarks during the play of the song "L'amour toujours", sparking nationwide fury.
- The authorities in Brandenburg are scrutinizing the use of the song "L'amour toujours" by far-right groups, as it has been linked to incidents of racism in municipalities across the region.
- The mayor of Erkner, a CDU member, has expressed concern over the incident and plans to engage with local clubs and organizations to promote dialogue and understanding, particularly regarding the responsibilities of club organisers.
- The popular song "L'amour toujours" has become a rallying cry for right-wing extremists, causing concern among authorities and leading some DJs, such as DJ René Herrmann, to stop playing it.
- In response to the backlash, the Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino, who created the song, stated that his intention was not to promote racism but to celebrate love, emphasizing that the song was meant to be a symbol of unity and not division.
- Following the controversy, there have been calls for greater scrutiny of events in municipalities across Brandenburg, with many concerned about the rise of racism and extremism in the region, including the MOZ Party, which condemned the incidents in Erkner and Sylt.
